A famous beach destination in southern Kerala, Varkala comes lauded as a sacred pilgrimage center too. Like the white cliffs of Dover, the pink cliffs at the Varkala Beach offer sensational view of the Arabian Sea. Mineral water springs originating from the cliff is believed to possess medicinal properties.

A dip in the holy waters at the beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name 'Papanasam beach'. The place is home to 2000-year-old Vishnu Shrine of Janardhanaswamy. The Sivagiri Mutt established by the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru is another start attraction of the place.